"It was quite a smart call and we might as well take advantage of this two-week break in Six Nations games," he said.

Although he has lost the captaincy and a starting place, Warburton does not think he has lost form or leadership potential.

He said: "I have been looking at my games and things and I don't think there are any obvious mistakes.

"If I was slipping off tackles and getting smashed about in the contact area, I would be concerned.

"I said to my parents the other day that when things are easy, Wales are doing well and you get a lot of positive press, it's happy days - but you are never going to have a 10 or 12-year career when you are constantly on the way up.

"Things and blips do happen, and I knew that would happen before people start questioning your form or whatever, but you have got to completely ignore it."

The formal team announcement is on Tuesday, when, barring injury, the only news will be who is on the bench.